(Telecompaper) HTC reported a net loss of TWD 3.0 billion for the third quarter, versus a profit of TWD 3.9 billion a year earlier. Revenue tumbled to TWD 47.0 billion from TWD 70.2 billion, and the gross margin dropped to 20.4 percent from 25.0. The smartphone maker had a negative operating margin of 7.4 percent, in line with its earlier forecast. HTC said sales of its flagship One smartphone were "solid" in the EMEA region, with a "halo effect" on sales of its other new devices such as the One mini. In the US, the company expanded its distribution to all four of the major carriers, and in China, the group's preparing to launch the first TD-LTE phone with the One Max. During the quarter, HTC also sold its stakes in Beats and Saffron Digital. For the fourth quarter, HTC expects a further drop in sales, to TWD 40-45 billion, while the gross margin should be stable at around 20 percent. The net result is expected to improve to a profit of TWD 0.1-1.7 per share.